Leaky cable, or radiating cable, is a coaxial cable designed with periodic slots or apertures to transmit and receive radio signals. This unique characteristic allows it to function as an antenna, enabling the distribution of radio waves in areas where discrete antennas are not feasible. Leaky cable finds applications in various scenarios, with three common types available based on their outer conductors: braided, slotted axially, and periodically coaxial cables wikibirthdays.
Understanding Leaky Cable
- Construction: Leaky cable consists of an inner conductor typically made from copper wire. The choice of dielectric material, such as polyethylene with a permittivity of around 1.25, depends on the desired radio wave velocity. The outer conductor is usually made of copper foil and features apertures or slots.
- Functionality: Leaky cable is primarily used to establish radio wave links between underground stations and above-ground controllers. As trains move through the tunnels, a continuous cable connection ensures uninterrupted communication. The periodic slots in the cable radiate the signal, acting as distributed antennas biographycon.
Considerations for Leaky Cable Usage
- Frequency Interference: Different network providers in the UK utilize their specific GSM frequency ranges. It is essential to ensure that these radio frequencies do not interfere with each other or other external sources when leaky cable is employed. Careful design and planning are necessary to mitigate interference issues.
- Coupling Loss: Coupling loss refers to the power loss experienced when the wave travels from one medium to another. It is crucial to minimize significant power loss when transitioning from the leaky cable to the underground environment. Ongoing research and development aim to address these challenges and find practical solutions fleepbleep.
This post was written by Justin Tidd, Director at Becker Mining Communications! For over 15 years, Becker Communications has been the industry’s leader in leaky feeder systems mining and electrical mining communication systems. As they expanded into surface mining, railroads, and tunneling they added wireless communication systems, handheld radios, tagging and tracking systems, as well as gas monitoring allmeaninginhindi.
